Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Special equipment needed:
- Food processor
- 8x8 inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, pulse the rolled oats until they are finely ground.
3. Add the pitted dates, almond butter, honey, coconut oil, shredded coconut, chopped almonds, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to the food processor. Pulse until the mixture is well combined and forms a sticky dough.
4. Press the dough into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula or your hands to smooth it out evenly.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the bars are set.
6. Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish before slicing into squares.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
Makes 16 bars
Nutritional information:
Per serving:
Calories: 180
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Rolled oats can be substituted with quick oats or gluten-free oats.
- Almond butter can be substituted with peanut butter or any other nut butter.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Coconut oil can be substituted with butter or ghee.
- Shredded coconut can be omitted or substituted with chopped dried fruit.
- Chopped almonds can be substituted with any other nuts or seeds.
- Cinnamon can be substituted with pumpkin pie spice or cardamom.
Variations:
- Add chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
- Use different nut butters or a combination of nut butters for a unique flavor.
- Add dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries, to the dough for extra sweetness.
- Top the bars with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to press the dough firmly into the baking dish to ensure the bars hold together.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing to prevent them from falling apart.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Storage instructions:
Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Reheating instructions:
The bars can be eaten cold or warmed up in the microwave for a few seconds.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the bars on a platter with a sprinkle of shredded coconut or chopped nuts on top.
Garnishes:
Shredded coconut, chopped nuts, melted chocolate, sea salt.
Pairings:
These bars go well with a cup of coffee or tea for a mid-morning or afternoon snack.
Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit, yogurt, or a smoothie.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of water or more almond butter.
- If the bars are too crumbly, press the dough more firmly into the baking dish or add more honey or coconut oil to the dough.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use fresh, pitted dates and store the bars in the fridge to prevent spoilage.
Food history:
Date paste has been used as a natural sweetener for centuries in Middle Eastern and North African cuisine. Oat bars have become a popular snack and breakfast option in recent years due to their convenience and health benefits.
Flavor profiles:
These bars are sweet, nutty, and slightly chewy with a hint of cinnamon.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these bars as a snack or breakfast on-the-go.
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